Parents left in dark over water birth suspension

Monday 03 September 2018

Future parents remain in the dark over whether they’ll be able to have a water birth over a month after the procedure was suspended due to newborn safety fears.

The procedure was halted with immediate effect in the penultimate week of July after a number of babies born in birthing pools required additional post-natal care.

Speaking at the time, Hospital officials said that they weren’t sure whether the babies’ difficulties were connected to the method of birth. An investigation was subsequently launched into the procedure. 

Under five mothers-to-be were told that they would be unable to have a water birth as a result, while other future parents were assured at the time that the measure was only “temporary.”

Pictured: The procedure was suspended in late July and described as "temporary", but six weeks have since passed without an update on the safety review.

But six weeks have since passed and the Health Department has declined to provide any update, leaving future parents in the dark over whether the procedure will be possible.

A States spokesperson told Express that midwifery and hospital staff had met on 17 August to discuss the issue, but later would not state if or when the birthing procedure will become available again. 

Head of Midwifery Julie Mycock described safety as the hospital’s “number one priority”, as she announced the suspension back in July.

“…In any situation where there’s concern of this nature, it is sensible to check our processes in order to ensure they are robust. Once we’ve completed the review, we would expect to be able to return to previous arrangements, including making birthing pools available to those mothers who are considered clinically suitable and who wish to use them.”